Residents in Maine School Administrative District 54 (MSAD 54) are being asked to approve a new location for the district’s bus garage in a state-funded project that will not cost local taxpayers any money. The proposed location is the Maine Department of Transportation lot at 264 Canaan Road in Skowhegan.
The district is currently using this lot and garage as part of the construction of the Margaret Chase Smith Community School. Originally, the bus yard and garage were planned to be moved to the North Elementary School site, but the new proposal would free up the North Elementary School for other uses, potentially as a childcare center in partnership with local businesses.
The change in location is expected to result in cost savings for the state-funded project, although the exact figures are not yet available. The district has made adjustments at the garage to prevent future flooding issues that occurred in December when the Kennebec River reached historic levels.
If approved, there are no major construction plans at the Maine DOT site, but the existing garage may be renovated and expanded. The new school project is on track for a fall 2025 opening.
Residents of Canaan, Cornville, Mercer, Norridgewock, Skowhegan and Smithfield can vote on the proposal in a referendum on November 5. A public hearing and presentation on the proposal will be held at Skowhegan Area Middle School on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. District officials expect to have more information available at the hearing and will provide additional details through other communications.
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